Tecno continues to deliver budget-friendly smartphones packed with features. The Camon 18i and Spark 10 5G are two popular contenders, each offering a unique set of strengths. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Tecno Spark 10 5G emerges as the winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 6020 chipset and 5G connectivity. While the Camon 18i is a solid performer, the Spark 10 5G offers a noticeable upgrade in speed and future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 01 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, April 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.5 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 | Android 13, HIOS 12.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Sea, Frost Silver, Tranquil Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | CG6 | KI8 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Tecno Camon 18i
- Potentially better display color accuracy
- Slightly more refined design (model dependent)
- Good value for money
- Older chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Potentially slower performance
Tecno Spark 10 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster performance thanks to Dimensity 6020
- More modern chipset
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- May have slightly less refined design
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). The Camon 18i might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness, but this is model-dependent. The Spark 10 5G may offer a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz) for smoother scrolling, but this needs confirmation.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-lens camera system with a primary sensor around 50MP. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Spark 10 5G might have a slight edge in low-light performance due to the more modern chipset's image signal processor (ISP). Video recording capabilities are likely similar.
Performance
This is where the Spark 10 5G shines. The Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G85 (12nm) in the Camon 18i. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Spark 10 5G. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 6020 are also more powerful than the Cortex-A75 cores in the Helio G85.
Battery Life
Both phones have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh) and charging speed (18W). Battery life should be comparable in real-world usage, lasting a full day for moderate users.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Camon 18i is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly better display and potentially a more refined design (depending on specific models). The Tecno Spark 10 5G is ideal for those who want 5G connectivity, faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and a more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Spark 10 5G worth the upgrade from the Camon 18i?
Yes, if 5G connectivity and improved performance are important to you. The Dimensity 6020 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio G85.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
It's difficult to say definitively. Both phones likely have a 50MP main sensor, and camera quality heavily depends on software processing. The Spark 10 5G's newer chipset might offer a slight advantage in low-light conditions.